No doubt that a car accident can be devastating. Plus, it is going to leave you distraught and frightened. The good news is that you’re not alone. After a vehicle accident, you should know that assistance is out there for you. So, what steps do you need to take right after a car accident occurs? You’re going to find out in the comprehensive guide below.
1 Call the Police
There is a pretty good chance that the other party will not want to get the police involved. They might not have a license, or they could be drinking and driving. They might want to deal with the issue on their own. Either way, it is always in your best interest to contact the police. The police will provide you with a written report of the incident, and that can make a big difference in the long run. Do not allow the other party to change your mind. Call the police because it will pay off dividends in the future.
2 Get Information about the Other Party
While you’re at it, you’ll want to make sure that you acquire information about the other party. You do not want this individual to escape your grasp. What is going to happen if they leave and you do not have their phone number, name and license plate number? You’ll be left paying out of pocket for the expenses. Be sure to acquire as much information as possible about the other party to avoid mishaps.
3 Take Photographs
Do not move your automobile until you’re able to take photos. Photographs can be taken by your smartphone, and they’ll make great evidence in the future. You might be able to use these photographs as a way to prove that the other driver was at fault. With that being said, you should start taking photographs right after you’ve completed the steps above.
4 Move Your Vehicle
If you’ve had a crash in a busy area, you’ll want to make sure that you move your vehicle. This should not be done until the police have arrived on the scene. You should also get photographic evidence ahead of time. If your vehicle does not move on its own, you might have to wait for a wrecker. Either way, get your vehicle out of the road; leaving it there could cause more accidents. Also, make sure that you stay a safe distance away from the highway or roadway in question.
5 Hiring an Attorney
There is a possibility that the other party is not going to be interested in paying the expenses. If this is the case, you may need to hire a car accident attorney. Having an attorney on your side will make a big difference in the long run. They’ll be able to battle it out in the courtroom on your behalf and ensure that you get the money you’re rightfully owed. Suffice to say, anyone involved in a vehicle accident should have an attorney on their side.